Chapter 68 My East Sea

Chapter 68: My East Sea

A Wu was soon dressed, securely wrapped in a soft sable fur cloak.

Even so, Emperor Jingxi still worried she might catch cold and retrieved a sable forehead cover for her to wear.

A Wu examined it curiously—it was styled like a forehead band but made of plush sable fur, adorned with pearls and a five-bead plum blossom design, opulent and downy when worn.

Gazing into the bronze mirror, she thought she resembled a little rabbit and couldn’t help but laugh. "Oh, it’s rather lovely!"

This time, Emperor Jingxi took her hand. "Let’s go."

A Wu replied cheerfully, "Alright!"

Emperor Jingxi felt as though he were leading a little rabbit—one full of lively energy.

The two left Langhua Palace and saw the palace grounds aglow, breathtakingly beautiful. The carriage was the imperial dragon carriage, reserved for the emperor's use—by status, A Wu was not permitted to ride in it.

But late at night, who would care? Those who noticed would pretend not to see.

The emperor’s carriage was indeed different—expansive and sumptuous, with soft sable fur cushions.

Moreover, the emperor carefully supported her waist with his arm to prevent her from knocking against anything.

Seeing his cautious, doting manner, A Wu thought to herself that it was no wonder her capriciousness was increasing—doted on, cherished, and indulged by the emperor, who wouldn’t develop a bit of a temper?

She nestled lazily in Emperor Jingxi’s arms and said contentedly, "Your Majesty finally has time to accompany A Wu tonight."

It was easy to grow accustomed to luxury but hard to return to frugality. She had already gotten used to his company—without him, her heart always felt hollow. Sleeping nestled against his sturdy frame was secure and comforting.

—Of course, she also understood in her heart that this was a luxury. The emperor never belonged to any one person; he belonged to everyone, even the whole empire.

Sensing the longing in her soft voice, Emperor Jingxi twined his fingers with hers and coaxed her tenderly, "Not just tonight—the coming days will also be unoccupied. I can come to accompany you every day."

From this day onward, the Lantern Festival holiday began, lasting a full eight days. Officials were excused from court duties and need not submit memorials, though urgent matters could still be presented. Both soldiers and commoners could light lanterns and drink in celebration, and the capital’s night curfew was suspended.

At last, the emperor could spare time to relax and spend more moments with his beloved.

Hearing this, A Wu’s heart leapt with joy.

The couple strolled, admiring the palace lanterns until the carriage stopped at the foot of a city wall, where Emperor Jingxi personally assisted her down.

Once outside, they saw two columns of Imperial Guards standing, each clad in splendid brocade and holding crystal torches, their stance regimented and stately, their expressions identically solemn.

A Wu looked ahead—the line seemed endless, forming a human shield that stretched like an unbroken wall.

She couldn’t help but feel awed.

A single Imperial Guard holding a torch was nothing, nor were two—but when two endless rows stood guard like this, awe-inspiring grandeur emanated.

Perhaps this was power—the authority of an emperor who could command the Twelve Guards with a single glance.

Emperor Jingxi, however, paid it no mind, clearly accustomed to such displays and thus indifferent.

Holding A Wu’s hand, he calmly passed through the wall of Imperial Guards, walking past torch after torch until they reached a flight of steps.

A Wu looked up—they led to the top of the city wall.

Emperor Jingxi smiled. "Let’s go up to the wall. The view will be better."

A Wu beamed with excitement: "Alright!"

Once they ascended the city wall, A Wu let out a gasp of wonder.

The wall was high, offering a panoramic view of a sea of flickering lanterns below. The Lantern Festival in the imperial capital was truly unlike anywhere else.

Along the sides of the imperial avenue stood towering silk displays and glowing lanterns, while the streets teemed with crowds. Street performers amazed onlookers with their talents, musical performances filled the air, and rows upon rows of vendors offered everything from hairpins and combs to jewelry and scarves.

In the distance, a massive gateway had been constructed in the shape of a dragon, draped with blue curtains and adorned with thousands of lanterns. From afar, it resembled dancing lights that made the dragon appear alive—utterly magnificent.

Taking in such a lively scene, one couldn't help but feel it was a once-in-a-lifetime sight.

Suddenly, a group of people emerged ahead—some with blond hair and blue eyes, others with curly hair and dark skin, and still others with entirely different appearances. Their attire was exotic and diverse.

A Wu stared in surprise: "Who are they?"

The Jingxi Emperor replied: "They are foreign envoys. Do they seem strange to you?"

A Wu exclaimed excitedly: "I know! They must be foreign visitors! Back in my fishing village, a sailor who'd returned from distant lands once described people like this!"

The Jingxi Emperor smiled gently: "So you've seen them before."

A Wu gazed at the foreign envoys, her eyes sparkling with excitement and an indescribable emotion that even made her eyes glisten.

She never thought she'd see such people again after all these years!

Noticing her reaction, the Jingxi Emperor drew her near for a better look: "In a couple of days, I can summon them so you can speak with them."

A Wu shook her head: "No need. I couldn't understand them anyway. I just find them fascinating to look at."

The Jingxi Emperor asked: "Did your father go to Malacca?"

A Wu's expression shifted: "You've heard of it?"

Meeting her hopeful gaze, the Jingxi Emperor said: "Yes. Malacca lies near Sumatra. It once paid tribute to Siam but has since gained independence under the leadership of Parameswara, becoming an independent kingdom."

A Wu's eyes brightened instantly. She looked at the Jingxi Emperor, wanting to ask but holding back.

Instead of continuing the topic, the Jingxi Emperor simply asked: "Do you still want to watch?"

A Wu shook her head: "Not really."

She felt a twinge of sadness.

She thought the Jingxi Emperor must have sensed her unspoken wish but chose to avoid it.

Perhaps she could have asked outright—but she feared rejection.

After all, Malacca was so far away...

On the way back, A Wu was distracted and downcast, lost in thought. Only upon entering the palace chambers did she realize something felt wrong—this wasn't her Langhua Hall.

The Jingxi Emperor said: "You'll stay in Fengtian Hall tonight."

A Wu was surprised—she had never been to Fengtian Hall before.

While technically part of the inner palace, Fengtian Hall also served as a place where the Jingxi Emperor conducted official business. The Grand Secretary Eunuch and the Seal Eunuch remained on duty here, so imperial consorts rarely visited unless for urgent matters.

Gazing into her eyes, the Jingxi Emperor whispered: "Keep me company tonight."

His voice was gentle, and A Wu's heart seemed to be gently stirred.

She nodded, "Mm, alright."

She had a vague feeling that this carried some special meaning.

Because she was with child by him, he had grown closer to her...

Stepping into the Fengtian Hall and entering the heated inner chamber, A Wu looked around curiously. It was much simpler than she had imagined, with furnishings much like any noble lady's quarters. Behind a large pearwood screen carved with landscapes stood a pearwood bed draped in yellow satin and embroidered with golden dragons.

A Wu asked curiously, "Is this Your Majesty’s dragon bed?"

The Jingxi Emperor smiled, "In the past, I used to rest here."

A Wu stared at it for a long moment—it was surprisingly modest!

The Jingxi Emperor, sensing her gaze, explained, "Ministers usually stop at the outer hall or the study. Very few people come here, so there's no call for finery."

A Wu had a question she wanted to ask but hesitated.

The Jingxi Emperor raised an eyebrow at her hesitation, "Speak."

A Wu whispered very softly, "Then, Your Majesty, when you called consorts to your bed before... where did you go? Was it here?"

The Jingxi Emperor looked at her for a long moment before finally confirming that her question stemmed purely from curiosity, without not a hint of possessiveness.

In truth, this was how it should have been—her tone when bringing it up was exactly what he once would have expected.

Just as he had once believed that the Crown Prince would inevitably have some concubines—shouldn't the Crown Princess be gracious and accommodating? Shouldn’t she learn to tolerate others?

If you cannot tolerate others, how can you be worthy of the position of the Crown Prince's consort?

But now, seeing this young woman at his side so indifferent, a strange tightness filled his chest.

He must have been expecting something, yet he hadn't received it.

At this moment, A Wu stole a glance at him, "Is it not allowed to ask, Your Majesty?"

The Jingxi Emperor smiled warmly.

As the elder of the two and the one in the higher position, he subtly suppressed the petty yearning in his heart.

He had gradually come to realize how absurd his former arrogance and disdain toward this little woman had been. If he couldn't claim her past, then he would firmly grasp the rest of her life.

Though gnawing envy still lingered within him—kindling rage within him at night, hatred toward the man who had once possessed her—what could he do? He could only suppress it, wearing imperial composure, maintaining calm gentility, and treating her with kindness.

Such a young woman needed to be coaxed little by little, like coaxing a skittish bird that had yet to step into the cage.

So he took her hand and led her out, pointing to a side chamber, "In earlier years, I entertained consorts in the side chamber, but it has been unused for years. Eventually, I converted it, even removing the bed. Now it's a tea room, where I occasionally receive officials."

A Wu let out a quiet breath of relief—this answer satisfied her.

The Jingxi Emperor tilted his head slightly, his honey-toned eyes smiling at her, "You're the only one now."

A Wu replied, "Mm."

Her cheeks grew hot.

She lowered her head and muttered softly, "You're the emperor. If you ever wanted to..."

The Jingxi Emperor caught her unspoken words and asked calmly, "If I ever wanted to what?"

A Wu mumbled, "If Your Majesty wished to visit the imperial harem, A Wu wouldn't have any right to object..."

The Jingxi Emperor studied the subtle shifts in her expression. "Oh? Would you really be okay with that? Not even a little upset?"

A Wu recalled that day when she mistakenly thought the Jingxi Emperor was going to visit Consort Hui—of course, it had bothered her. What woman would be okay with that?

The Jingxi Emperor watched her with patience as she hung her head.

He waited patiently, like watching a flower bloom.

After a long silence, A Wu finally whispered, "I guess it would still bother me."

The emperor's tension melted at her words.

Watching the pink rise in her cheeks, he promised gently, "It will always be this way."

A Wu looked up in surprise. "What?"

The Jingxi Emperor said, "It will always be this way. You'll be the only one for me. I won't want anyone else."

A Wu was taken aback, though not entirely surprised. Some things she had vaguely sensed already.

The chemistry between a man and woman can't be faked.

The Jingxi Emperor asked, "Do you feel that I've held back too much before? That I may have even neglected you?"

A Wu's gaze flickered away guiltily. "Maybe a little."

Sometimes he would be relentless, taking her multiple times in one night, but other times he would pull back after just getting started. What shocked her most was that one time when he stopped halfway through, exercising incredible self-control.

A Wu truly couldn’t understand this man’s restraint and endurance.

After everything he'd done with her, she knew damn well he wanted her!

So why did this man hold back? What was the reason for his restraint?

The Jingxi Emperor lowered his eyes, his gaze resting lightly on their intertwined fingers.

Her slender hand felt fragile as it was clasped between his knuckles.

He smiled and asked, "You still don’t understand?"

A Wu blinked, confused. "No, I don’t."

How could she possibly understand?

The Jingxi Emperor said, "Then take your time to figure it out."

She was about to press further when a palace eunuch from the kitchens came to ask when they wanted dinner served.

A Wu asked, "Dinner?"

The Jingxi Emperor said, "Your maid told me you don't eat much at night. Would you eat something with me?"

Now, A Wu's evening meals are handled exclusively by the imperial kitchen, specially prepared and delivered just for her. Her meal plans are always reviewed by Emperor Jingxi, so he is fully aware of how much she has eaten from her menu.

She couldn’t say much, so she simply replied, "Alright."

As the dishes were served one after another, the spread was lavish—winter bamboo shoots, whitebait, pigeon eggs, half-chickens, termite mushrooms (a type of mushroom), and morel mushrooms. Even the fruits included rare treats like honey pomelos and phoenix-tailed tangerines, tributes from the southern regions.

But A Wu only sampled these lightly.

The Jingxi Emperor then urged her to try the sticky rice balls, filled with walnut and sugar. They each ate one.

Turning his head, the emperor smiled at A Wu and said casually, "Having these rice balls counts as our festival celebration."

The rice balls were soft, sticky, and sweet, leaving A Wu's mouth sweet. Even after rinsing, the lingering taste remained.

But now, under his gentle gaze, she felt even sweeter.

For a moment, she even had an illusion—this man was her husband, and they were just an ordinary couple living the simplest of lives.

Warmth blossomed in her heart, and she even felt her face grow hot.

The Jingxi Emperor said, "It’s still early. Resting too soon might not help digestion. Would you like to visit my study?"

A Wu was surprised. "Your study?"

The emperor’s study—wasn’t that the legendary imperial study? Could she just enter so casually?

The Great Hui’s palace regulations were strict, with the ironclad rule that the inner court must not interfere in state affairs. The imperial study was where the emperor handled political matters.

The Jingxi Emperor said casually, "It’s fine during leisure days."

A Wu felt slightly uneasy, but since the emperor had invited her, she agreed.

The moment she stepped into the imperial study, A Wu was struck by an overwhelming sense of authority—not due to extravagant furnishings, but the precise formality of the place.

The study was arranged with strict precision, dignified and meticulous. The imperial writing desk was neatly set with brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, each piece evidently of exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance. Nearby stood several smaller desks, which A Wu guessed were for the Seal Eunuch and other attendants who served the emperor.

Paintings and calligraphy adorned the walls. Though A Wu knew little about art, anything hung in the emperor’s study must be rare treasures of the world.

Holding A Wu’s hand, the Jingxi Emperor pointed to the yellow-silk cushion with southern embroidery on the huanghuali wood throne and said, "I usually sit here reading petitions, though sometimes I move to the window for a change."

He explained lightly, "Sitting in one place for too long can be tiresome."

Curious, A Wu studied everything eagerly, glancing around—after all, this was likely the only chance in her lifetime to step into an emperor’s study.

She even imagined telling her father about this later—he'd be absolutely floored!

After a while, she finally asked curiously, "Your Majesty, do you ever get tired of reading petitions here?"

The Jingxi Emperor nodded. "Of course. Just as you grow weary from reading books, I tire from reviewing memorials—especially when some officials write them..."

His tone turned displeased. "Some quote classics to show off their learning, others deliberately obscure their meaning..."

A Wu sighed sympathetically. "How inconsiderate. They’re just making things difficult for you on purpose."

The Jingxi Emperor said, "Indeed, so I send all these petitions back and order them to rewrite."

A Wu exclaimed, "Serves them right!"

The Jingxi Emperor chuckled softly and coaxed, "So in the future, A Wu should be more considerate of me. For instance, you could write a pretty letter and have it delivered to brighten my day, or instruct the imperial kitchen to prepare some soups or snacks. When I see them and understand your thoughtfulness, it would make me feel better."

A Wu nodded, "Alright, I’ll remember."

Just some notes and snacks? She could send those to him!

The Jingxi Emperor held A Wu’s hand and said, "Come, let’s take a look over here."

Curious, A Wu followed him inside and was stunned to see—the walls were covered in colorful paintings.

But soon, she cried out excitedly, "These are maps!"

The drawings showed mountains, valleys, and detailed lines—they were indeed maps!

She had seen similar ones at her father and brother's place, but the emperor’s maps were far bigger, more detailed, and fancier.

The Jingxi Emperor’s gaze also settled on the walls. "Yes, these are maps.

The territorial maps of Great Hui, maps of foreign lands, and overseas navigation maps—all of them are here."

A Wu was blown away. Unconsciously, she released the Jingxi Emperor’s hand and approached one of the maps, looking up at it. Her eyes darted across the surface before finally landing on a vast expanse of blue.

Her heart skipped a beat.

This was the East Sea!